TORREVIEJA TOURIST GUIDE 2012

CO S TA

B L A N C A

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S PA I N

have you been to torrevieja?

index

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have you been to torrevieja?

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sun, sea, beach and coves

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Culture

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Avenues, gardens and plazas

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A town with sports facilities

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Nature

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Gastronomy

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Commerce

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Leisure and entertainment

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Don’t forget to visit

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Accommodation

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Maps

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The first thing that draws your attention in Torrevieja is its setting.

There are two salt lagoons, one pink and the other green, which make up the La Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons Nature Reserve.

Together, they cover a total of 3,700 Hectares, which represents 52% of the local terrain, and contain enormous biological wealth.

They are well renown both at national and international levels. It therefore becomes clear right from the beginning that this is truly a unique tourist municipality, whose natural surroundings represent a wonderful tourist asset.

Torrevieja´s origins are also very interesting. It all began with the fishing activity, around the 18th century, when fishermen and sailors began to use the Torrevieja coastline for shelter during the “bad sea” days. Since then, the newly established town began to welcome sailors from other regions, particularly Napolitan and Genoese emigrants. The abundance of Italian surnames, including Parodi, Zechini, Boracino, Fortepiani, etc in Torrevieja today confirm this. By the way, do you know why Torrevieja is called Torrevieja?.

When we talk about this city we essentially refer to two things: salt and sea. Firstly salt, because it is the real origin of this town. For centuries, the Torrevieja area has been a wonderful spot for mining the salt generated in the Torrevieja Lagoon. This encouraged the Reales Salinas management body (set in the nearby district of La Mata) to move to Torrevieja in 1803. This was the real origin of the city and lead to the foundation of the town. The inhabitants of Torrevieja (lit. Old Tower) then began to develop a town, whose name comes from the old Torre Vigía (Watchtower), or Vieja (Old), set in the Eras de la Sal (salt beds), the old salt pier. It was at this time that different activities began to develop, among them the salt sea trade bound for the ports of the Caribbean. This highly valued mineral was exchanged for exotic products such as sugar cane, mahogany wood, etc. As a result of these journeys, the habanera was born. This was a classic Torrevieja song which the sailors adapted as a way of expressing their experiences on the long crossings.

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sun, sea, beach and coves The Torrevieja coast is very long, covering a total of 14 km of coastline, along which there are numerous beaches and coves where you can cool down and relax. The La Mata Beach, which runs from North to South, stands out from the rest. It is the longest spreading across almost two kilometres, and the dunes are characterised by the abundance of fossilised dunes. If you like spacious and quiet beaches, La Mata is a great choice. A little further South, where some historians discovered the spot that today is Torrevieja, we find Cabo Cervera and the beach with the same name: Playa de Cabo Cervera. Here they found an old Watchtower, the so-called Torre del Moro (Moorish Tower), which offers a spectacular viewpoint which allows to see the area from the Mar Menor (Lower Sea) -in the South- to the Cabo de Santa Pola (Santa Pola Cape) - in the North.

Continuing Southwards along the coast, we discover “Las calas” (“The coves”), an area with quiet coves where you can go diving or simply enjoy a good swim.

South of “Las Calas” is the Punta del Salaret, which shelters the Playa de Los Locos (Madmen Beach), a striking spot reminiscent of the old sanatorium which used to be there. This beach now forms part of the built-up part of Torrevieja and offers visitors numerous services.

Playa del Cura

As you will have noticed, Torrevieja has an exceptional climate; a Mediterranean climate highly influenced by the proximity of the sea and set in the Iberian Peninsula, leeward of the cloudy Western fronts. This creates a very pleasant annual average temperature and many hours of sunlight each year; a climate which, among other factors, has made Torrevieja a perfect place to live and to enjoy the sea.

If you are lucky, you will be able to sample the “famous” Torrevieja dry octopus in one of its kiosks, which must be accompanied by a fresh “paloma”. If you continue South, towards the centre of Torrevieja, you will pass by the Cala or Curva del Palangre and Punta Margalla, home to the Monumento a las Culturas del Mediterráneo (Monument to Mediterranean Cultures), an area commonly known as “Las Columnas” (The Columns). From this landmark, you will be able to see the city’s most famous beach, Playa del Cura. We must point out the great quantity of services provided for tourists here, with numerous restaurants, refreshment stalls, kiosks, etc., where you can cool down and enjoy yourself in between swims. A perfect beach to enjoy a different day out with the family.

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Playa de la La Mata

Cala Piteras

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A spectacular pedestrian route begins here, near the seashore, in which you will find rocks among which you will be able to plunge and snorkel. Pay attention to the posidonian meadows: they form a rich marine ecosystem. If you like diving, don’t doubt it. Just take your flippers and your glasses and jump into the water. Today is your day. Nevertheless, remember that may you wish to do underwater fishing, you will need a special permission.

All the Torrevieja beaches are certified with the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 regulations for quality and environmental management. This reaffirms Torrevieja as a symbol of prestige and quality.

Cala Ferris

Adjacent to the Western dock in the Torrevieja harbour, is the Playa de los Náufragos (Shipwreck Beach), an extensive beach where you can complement a beach day with a fun snorkelling trip. Also, just a few metres deep, towards the North, - the port- or the South -La Veleta town-, there are posidonia meadows with fascinating ecosystems that we recommend you take a look at whilst respecting the environment. If you go snorkelling in the “La Veleta” area, notice how there are sections of tiles at the bottom. Curious? You should know that the Playa de los Náufragos owes its name to the shipwrecks which took place nearby. In the 19th C and the beginning of the 20th C, Torrevieja was a true shipping dream, with many ships which traded with the Caribbean ports, such as La Habana. On many of these crossings, the Torrevieja ships departed with tiles. After a shipwreck these often settled on the sea beds: that is why there are tile remains in some areas.

In the far South of the City, we can find Punta Prima, where Torrevieja borders the municipal district of Orihuela. At this peripheral point of the city, we find an emblematic cove, an inlet which looks more like the Caribbean Sea than the Mediterranean: Cala Ferris (Ferris Cove). Covered with palm trees and small dunes, with crystalline waters, this cove offers you the chance to enjoy a quiet swim surrounded by the sound of the birds -including parrots- and the sea. We recommend that you take your goggles and flippers and that you sharpen your senses in the posidonia meadows. You will be astounded by the quantity of fish living in this ecosystem.

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Playa de los Náufragos

Calas de Torrevieja

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Theatre, exhibitions and cultural activities

Inspired by the Berlin Philharmonic concert hall this A-C has established itself, from its inauguration in March 2011, as the most important cultural infrastructure in the city. Also the stage is the most complete and prepared in the Valencian Community.

Designed by the prestigious Valencian architect JosĂŠ MarĂ­a TomĂĄs Llavador, this building has established itself as a true Congress Centre. In this way Torrevieja`s commitment to diversification, differentiation and qualification of its tourist offer, committing decidedly to a new segment of the market known as MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions).

The A-C is set in a landscape dominated by a feature of great beauty: the hill of San Jaime which can be seen to the east and to the west the Lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja, essential components of the Natural Park of the same name. It has landscaped gardens of 95,665 square metres in area. It is divided fundamentally into two areas:the Auditorium with a symphony hall for 1450 spectators, a smaller concert hall with a capacity of 385 persons plus a perimeter hall which joins both sections. Moreover the Conservatory which has buildings annexed to the auditorium, will be used for the advanced teaching of music.

International Auditorium and Conservatory of Music. Partida de la Loma, s/n.

culture Torrevieja is all about culture. Did you know that in 2006 Torrevieja was the only Spanish city with two architectural works exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art in New York? And that we are the only city in Spain with two floating museums?

Indeed, the saltworks city can boast a cultural infrastructure and programme which is as good or better than any other in nearby provincial capitals. Every

weekend you will find a different cultural programme, with exhibitions, first class theatrical shows, concerts for both national and international audiences, museums, international festivals, conferences, screenings, courses, workshops and much more Auditorio Internacional de Torrevieja - Palacio de Congresos

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Exhibition Hall Torrevieja boasts a cutting-edge cultural infrastructure and programme, a good example of which is the Municipal Auditorium Theatre.

“Vista Alegre” Paseo Vista Alegre, s/n. Tel. 649 964 803

The Torrevieja Municipal Theatre was designed by Alejandro Zaera Polo and Antonio Marquerie Tamayo, world renown architects, recognised particularly for projects such as the Passenger Terminal in the Yokohama Port and the Olympic Park for London 2012 (Alejandro Zaera). This cultural site has a total surface area of 1100 square metres, an approximate capacity for 700 people, a rehearsal room, multi-purpose room, dressing rooms and offices.

“Los Aljibes” Parque de la Naciones. Tel. 966 706 838

Another important cultural infrastructure within the city is the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, which houses the facilities of the municipal school for dance, painting and photography. This area was designed by architects Dorthe M. Gammerlgaard and Victor Rodriguez Pertusa. It includes an exhibition hall and an auditorium, able to seat 320 people. This centre is also the permanent setting for postgraduate and master courses of the Miguel Hernandez University. The building has a ground floor, plus three more levels, and a threestorey underground car park.

Biblioteca Municipal.

C/ Joaquín Chapaprieta, 39. Tel. 965 703 168

“Virgen del Carmen” C/ Ramón Gallud, esq. C/del Mar. Tel. 965 719 900

Library

Biblioteca “La Mata”.

C/ Alta, 17. Tel. 966 922 929 Biblioteca “Avda. Diego Ramírez”.

Avda. Diego Ramírez, 5. Tel. 965 074 323

Cultural Centres In addition there are many exhibitions, courses, workshops, etc. which are organised in its four exhibition rooms as well as in the various cultural centres in Torrevieja.

To find out more about the city’s cultural events, we recommend a visit to any of our tourist information offices.

Top class groups such as REM, the Columbian star, Shakira, and Depeche Mode, have performed in Torrevieja. This indicates the significance of our cultural events. Another, much talked about, cultural centre is the Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theatre), a magnificent symbol of innovation and cultural wealth. Don’t leave without visiting the Theatre; it is truly amazing!

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Teatro Auditorio Municipal

Teatro Auditorio Municipal.

Plaza de Miguel Hernández, s/n. Tel. 966 706 838 Centro Cultural “Virgen del Carmen”.

C/ Ramón Gallud, esq. C/ del Mar. Tel. 965 719 900 - 965 707 788 Palacio de la Música - Music Hall.

Unión Musical Torrevejense, 45. Tel. 965 712 311 Instituto Municipal de Cultura “Joaquín Chapaprieta” Plaza Miguel Hernández s/n. Tel. 966 706 838 Sociedad Cultural Casino de Torrevieja.

Paseo Vista Alegre, 14. Tel. 965 710 104

Palacio de la Música

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Floating Museums and Museum of the Sea and the Salt Museums in Torrevieja are necessarily related to the sea and the salt. These are the primary resources that originated Torrevieja. We must point out the floating museums, among all the museums, due to their singularity. We are talking about the Submarine S61 Delfin (Dolphin) and the Police ship for Customs Surveillance Albatros III. In 2004 the submarine S-61 became the first warship of the Spanish Armada that was turned into a floating museum. This is really curious as the same town that gave it its war flag in 1971, receives this ship as a tourist resource or attraction 33 years after. If you visit the S-61, you will learn about the characteristics of this kind of ship. Meanwhile,the Police Ship for Customs Surveillance Albatros III belonged to the Customs Surveillance Service until Mars 23rd, 2006. On this date, this ship was received in Torrevieja as a second floating museum. Admission is free and includes a guided visit.

But the most important museum in this town, due to what it means to this town, is the Museum of the Sea and the Salt. It is mainly an ethnological museum. You will learn about the origins of the town and its brief but intense history. Do not leave the museum until you have seen the exceptional works that are made in the museum’s workshop.

Natural History Museum

The City of Torrevieja Natural History Museum is a ground-breaking new project in the Valencia Region, with the main goal of recovering all the cetacean skeletons found on Torrevieja’s coastline. These exhibits are of great value and aim to add quality and diversity to the area’s tourist options. Some original skeletons will be put on show and others will be resin replicas. This technique will be performed for turtles washed up in the town. The museum also includes a complete collection of molluscs from the coasts of Zanzibar in Tanzania, donated to Torrevieja Town Hall by Mr and Mrs. Elbertus and Charlotte Fiege. As an additional attraction, the museum has started to compile a varied collection of flora and fauna, representing the marine and land ecosystems of Torrevieja and its surroundings.

Museum of the Habanera “Ricardo Lafuente”

Near this centre, in Plaza de la Estación, you can find the Museum of the Habanera Ricardo Lafuente. It shows the influence of the salt and the sea in our town and, in addition, it pays tribute to master Ricardo Lafuente Aguado.

Here you will be able to understand the particularities of this chant, that is the musical emblem of Torrevieja. This type of singing was born a century ago in the long trips of people from Torrevieja to Caribbean lands.

Museum of the Habanera “Ricardo Lafuente”. It is located in the former train station. Tel. 966 706 838

Natural History Museum. Antiguo almacén de la RENFE, en el hoy parque de la Estación.

Tel. 966 706 838

Museum of the Sea and the Salt. C/ Patricio Pérez, 10. Tel. 966 704 643 Floating Museums. Muelle Pesquero. Tel. 966 704 643 · 661 374 257

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Interpreting Centre of the Salt industry

Another important information point in our town is the Interpreting Centre of the Salt industry. It is located in a very singular place: an ancient depot on the former train station. In that place you will learn about the roots of Torrevieja, which implies talking about its salt marshes. A brief visit will allow you to learn curious details, as for example, the process to make salt, different types of salt, the evolution in the use of the salt marshes and the value of this exploitation to our town.

Interpreting Centre of the Salter Industry. Avda. de la Estación, s/n. Tel. 965 708 460

Templo Parroquial del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

Museum of Easter Tomás Valcárcel

The Museum of Easter Tomás Valcárcel is the only museum that is not directly related to the sea and the salt. So this sociocultural centre has objects related to the cultural heritage of Easter in Torrevieja, a traditional celebration in our town.

Religious Architecture

In Torrevieja, there are various chapels, hermitages and other small churches.

Among them, the Iglesia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción stands out, set in the Plaza de la Constitución. Built in 1789, this church is characterised by several aspects. However, without doubt, one of the most interesting facets is the materials which were used for its construction. As you know, Torrevieja received its name from an old watchtower which was located in the Salt Beds area. The tower was destroyed when a strong earthquake razed the city in 1829, giving rise to the use of its blocks of stone in the reconstruction in 1844. From an artistic point of view, this church was built in a neoclassical style, including the traditional Latin cross inside, which is covered with a barrel vault with lunettes in the central nave and arris in the wings. It includes images such as the Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception), in the central niche of the altarpiece. From the exterior, you will notice its two bell towers, completed with pyramid-like figures.

Museum of Easter Tomás Valcarcel. C/ Formentera, s/n. Tel. 966 708 037

Iglesia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción. Plaza de la Constitución Templo Parroquial del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. Plaza de Oriente Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. del Rosario. Plaza Encarnación Puchol, La Mata Iglesia de San Roque y Santa Ana. Plan Parcial del Mediterráneo, Avda. del Puerto

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Iglesia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción

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Some of our Festivals January: Twelfth Night Procession February: Carnival April: Easter May: May Festival

Festivals

The festivals in Torrevieja are characterised by their diversity. In December local residents celebrate the Local Holidays in Honour of the Inmaculada Concepción, their patroness. In the course of these holidays, the Salt Queen is chosen, the most beautiful woman in Torrevieja.

Another important festival for the residents of Torrevieja is the Festival in Honour of the Virgen del Carmen, patroness of the fishermen. The fishermen take the Virgin out through the streets near the harbour bay; they organise pole games, a paella competition, etc.

These are the most traditional festivals but there are also others which are not strongly related to the city, such as, for example, the May Festival, with numerous stalls, performances, cuisines, etc., which faithfully reflect the Seville atmosphere during its April festival: one of the biggest festivals in the Valencian territory.

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June: Pilgrimage in honour of the Virgen del Rocio Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Festival San Juan Bonfires Firework Display in the paseo Juan Aparicio July: Holidays in honour of the Virgen del Carmen August: Barrio del Calvario, festivals in honour of San Emigdio.

Festival in honour of San Roque October: Torrelamata, Holidays in honour of the Virgen del Rosario November: Salt Queen Selection December: Patroness Holidays in honour of the Inmaculada Concepción

One of the city’s most important cultural events is the International Habanera and Polyphony Contest. It is an international event where you will be able to enjoy songs which originated from the crossings made by the Torrevieja sailors to the Caribbean. Every year, at the end of July, you can enjoy this melody on the sea shores, in the old area where the Torrevieja sailors previously piled up salt to later transport it to the merchant ships.

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Paseo Vista Alegre

avenues, gardens and plazas Avenues

Torrevieja has many sea promenades so that you can take a walk and enjoy a good sunny day. Given its antiquity, perhaps we should begin by mentioning the Paseo Vista Alegre, where the Coralista Monument stands, a homage to all the people of Torrevieja who have or have had links with the choral ensembles.

Further to the north, you will find the Paseo de la Libertad, which is well known for the number of hand-craft stalls set up there each day.

Along with the Paseo Dique de Levante, the Paseo Juan Aparicio is one of the most representative spots of our city. The Paseo is set in the old Paseo de las Rocas, and was completely restored in the project by the renowned architect Carme Pin贸s. Here they have also created stone spikes and small beaches, giving rise to the famous natural pools of Torrevieja. Seated placidly on one of the stone benches, you will find the sculpture of the popular Bella Lola, and on one end of this beautiful avenue, dotted with palm trees, stands the Monumento al Hombre del Mar (Seaman Monument).

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Paseo de La Mata

Paseo Juan Aparicio

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At the point where the Paseo de Juan Aparicio meets the Paseo de la Libertad, you will see the Paseo del Dique de Levante, a pleasant route just a little over a kilometre long, leading into the harbour bay. If you look inside, you will be able to see the three existing yacht facilities; the city with more mooring points than any other in the Community of Valencia. If you have a boat and you want to visit Torrevieja, you can rent a temporary mooring point. This is a great way of visiting our city.

The Eastern Dock accommodates one of the most magnificent avenues in the Valencian Community, with a raised structure supported on the Eastern breakwater, running for 1355 metres, and built from wood and steel. There are five pergolas spread along it, where you can relax. In one of them you will find a beautiful statue of a woman, a lovely homage to the seaman’s wife. A relaxing cycle lane runs along the lower part of this avenue.

There are other avenues which run along the sea front, such as the one next to the International Marina in honour of the master sail maker Juan bautista Buades, the Paseo Juan Bautista Buades, and the Paseo de La Mata, which is long and particularly beautiful.

Paseo de La Mata

Plaza de la Costitución

Jardín de las Naciones

Gardens and plazas

The Jardín de las Naciones Garden is one of the largest green spaces in the city, measuring nearly 40,000 square metres. There is a large lake, which sketches the outline of the European continent, with many ducks, swans and a spectacular hot spring. Young people can also enjoy an enormous dinosaur slide and a children’s park with many attractions.

The Plaza del Molino spreads over 4,000 square metres and is particularly unique because of its old windmill, built as an exact replica of those which existed in Torrevieja during the 19th century to grind grain and salt. But without a doubt, the most spectacular plaza in the city is the Plaza de la Constitución, accommodating buildings as representative as the Town Hall and the Iglesia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción church. The plaza is filled with ochre and dark colours, and has a small fountain in the shape of pebbles.

Plaza de La Mata

From the many plazas and parks in the city, we would particularly highlight: Parque del Rincón de Asturias, Parque del Salinero, Jardín del Mediterráneo, Parque de Antonio Soria, Plaza Castelar, which used to be called Plaza de las Barcas, Plaza de la Marina Española and the Plaza de María Asunción. Near to the port you can find the Plaza Waldo Calero, with ceramic benches inspired by the continuous and irregular waves of the sea, and a fountain which cools down this busy spot.

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Parque Doña Sinforosa

Dique de Levante

Plaza del Molino

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a town with sports facilities Torrevieja Sports City, authentic sporting complex with a national and international outlook. It comprises of an area of more than 300,000 square meters dedicated exclusively to sport. Outstanding are its football pitches of artificial turf, a spectacular area for racket sports with10 tennis courts (the central one of these with a capacity for 700 spectators) 8 courts for padel with the central court having a capacity for 180 spectators, a services building that includes: changing rooms, multifunctional room, management office, cafe and a large gymnasium of 400 square meters and 2 fronton courts. Also on this exceptional sports complex there is the multi purpose and rugby field with an area of 3000 square meters and a capacity for 3000 spectators that is being 24

approved for international competitions. In addition the Torrevieja Sports City has more than 80,000 square meter of installations already consolidated comprising of Pabell贸n Cecilio Gallego (Pabell贸n Azul) and the Palacio de los Deportes that has a heated, olympic sized swimming pool. The Parque Municipal Antonio Soria with 2 fronton courts as well as the athletics track Daniel Plaza,a municipal gymnasium, the Municipal Football Stadium Vicente Garc铆a and two football pitches with artificial turf next to the Palacio de los Deportes. Also,at this time this extensive area has almost 23,000 square meters of parking and more than 5000 square meters of green area.

Palacio de los Deportes S. A. R. Infanta Cristina

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Torrevieja has numerous municipal facilities in which you can enjoy nearly all the various sports, whether on land or sea.

Nautical Experience

The Seaport of Torrevieja has three sports marinas, a true paradise for the lovers of water sports, with over 3000 marina berths or mooring points, and top quality services and facilities. In virtue of these water sports facilities, you can practise different sports; from sea excursions to marine reserves, group lunches and dinners on the high seas, luxury boat hiring, sailing courses, diving courses, underwater diving, water sports courses, sport fishing, mooring points, jet ski and windsurfing, among others.

Sports facilities Sports Centre Avda. Monge y Bielsa, s/n. Tel. 966 111 222

Escuela de Vela Latina.

Eras de Sal.

www.torreviejanauticalexperience.com Puertos Deportivos

Real Club N谩utico de Torrevieja.

Paseo Vista Alegre, s/n. Tel. 965 710 112 / 08

Puerto Deportivo Marina Internacional.

Playa Acequi贸n, s/n. Tel. 965 713 650

Puerto Deportivo Marina Salinas Situado en el Recinto Portuario. Tel. 965 709 701

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nature If you love wide open spaces this is the place for you. Did you know that 52% of the Torrevieja territory is covered by a nature reserve?

The La Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons Nature Reserve takes up a total of 3700 Hectares, of which 2100 correspond to water surfaces (1400 Hectares to the Torrevieja Lagoon and 700 Hectares to the La Mata Lagoon) and the remainder corresponds to the land around the lagoons which consists of salt marshes, plant formations dominated by salt marshes, reed beds, and Mediterranean scrubland. This geologically depressed area is linked to the sea by two canals or channels, one going North - to La Mata- and the other South, - to the Playa del Acequi贸n-. The salt is extracted from the Torrevieja Lagoon, using the La Mata Lagoon as a heater and concentrator.

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Parque Natural de las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja

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There are several aspects of the reserve which are worth mentioning, but pay particular attention to the colour of the lagoons: one pink, and the other green.

The pink lagoon is the Torrevieja lagoon, from which the salt is mined, whereas the green lagoon is the La Mata lagoon. The pink/purple colour of the Torrevieja lagoon is due to the pigments present in a very peculiar series of bacteria which live in very extreme environments; these are the so-called halobacteria. The reddish colour actually results from a protein called bacteriorhodopsin, found in the membranes of the halobacteria. With regard to the colour of the lagoons, we must also highlight the role played by the unicellular algae, Dunaliella salina, and the small Sea-Monkey crustaceans. The former is responsible for the red vermilion colour which the lagoons take on at certain times of the year, while the Sea-Monkey has a reddish colour because it feeds off the halobacteria.

Via verde

Parque Aromático del Barranco de Torreblanca

In this natural space we find an incredibly unique vegetation, which results from the high saltiness of the ground and the low rainfall levels. The salt marsh communities contain species, such as the Salicornia, Rushes, Calamus, Esparto and Houseleeks. Bird life is the most important faunal group, with nearly a hundred species. Depending on the time of year, you can see various migratory, over-wintering and nesting birds which complete their biological cycle in this wetland.

Parque Aromático del Barranco de Torreblanca, (“Torreblanca Aromatic Park”) is a unique environmental landscaping project designed by the acclaimed Catalan architect, Carmen Pinós. Boasting a total area of some 70,000 square metres, this is the perfect open space in which to take a stroll and enjoy its natural beauty. Don’t be surprised if the fragrances remind you of a spice market! One of the peculiarities of this park is that it has been planted almost entirely with aromatic species such as thyme, rosemary, basil or lavender. Take a deep breath and discover one of Torrevieja’s latest charms.

The Municipal Nature Spot, Parque del Molino del Agua (Watermill Park), comprises 17.22 hectares and its main ecological wealth resides in the dune system, which is the furthest South in the Valencian Community. This system forms part of another, larger system which acts as the coastal corridor, linking the Santa Pola Saltworks and the La Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons Nature Reserves. There are many plant formations but the Aleppo pine and Stone pine are particularly worth mentioning. There are more than 500 metres of underground aquifers in the subsoil, which explains the setting of the old well from the Molino del Agua (Watermill). It gives name to the area and there are written references to the spot dating from 1797.

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Parque Natural de las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja

Paraje Natural Municipal Parque del Molino del Agua

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gastronomy Torrevieja cuisine is particularly rich and varied, with products originating from both the sea and the “Bajo Segura” vegetable garden. There is, therefore, a noticeable gastronomic influence in this district, which has given rise to a traditional cuisine of enormous complexity. Its gastronomic variety has continued to grow ,and develop in accordance with new demands.

Rice is a strong component of our gastronomy, given the number of varieties available: with greens and vegetables - “arroz y bancal”-, with fresh anchovy, tuna, fish, etc. However, the most important rice dish in Torrevieja is the ‘arroz caldero’, made with stock from rock fish, such as Atlantic redfish, chicken, angler fish, etc. It is the tastiest!

Fish is the true basis of our cuisine, with dozens of recipes allowing you to enjoy flavours which will not leave you indifferent: “mojaorico de rajá”, gazpacho (cold vegetable soup), catfish with tomato, “caldico empaná”, are some examples of what you can sample here. You will find any number of salted fish, or fish prepared in salt, a clear influence of the salt origins of this city.

As a result of the influence from the district’s interior, we have a large quantity of meats and stews, such as meat cooked in broth, rabbit gazpacho, snail stew, etc. In short, it offers a truly diverse and high quality gastronomy which you can sample in any of our bars and restaurants.

Paseo Marítimo Juan Aparicio

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Cala Ferrís

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commerce Torrevieja has a great variety of small, traditional trades which portray the main characteristics of Torrevieja: open and simple. There are also hypermarkets and shopping centres nearby, which complement the shops available in this city.

The Market, known by residents as “La Plasa”, is a good place to visit. There you will be able to see fresh products from both the sea and land. Many of the products grown on the land are linked to the “Bajo Segura” garden.

The city also has two street markets, one which takes place on Fridays near to the bus station and the other in the nearby district of La Mata on Wednesdays.

The most striking feature of these is the variety and the quality of the products.

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leisure and entertainment Depending on the time of year, our city offers a wide range of activities for your enjoyment. Our excellent weather conditions will allow you to undertake many outdoor activities, such as going to the beach at any time of the year, lunching or dining in any of the terraces, going to the famous night clubs, visiting the different leisure areas, etc.

Boat trips are also another good option. From the fishing pier you can walk along our coast and, if you have more time, visit the nearby Tabarca Island Marine Reserve, where you can go diving in the rich sea ecosystems. If you like diving, this is the trip for you.

In summer, you can enjoy a water park which measures 115,000 square metres, with numerous slides and attractions for the youngest visitors. In the Ozone shopping area you can enjoy many different services, including cinema theatres, bowling alleys, games arcades, a casino, etc.

Thanks to its Municipal Leisure centre Torrevieja, has a full programme of activities, with dances, courses, etc., organised exclusively for the more mature visitor,. The various leisure centres in the city offer such services as cinemas, bowling alleys, games arcades, a casino, etc.

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Paseo MarĂ­timo Juan Aparicio

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Tourist Viewpoint from the Torre del Moro (Moorish Tower)

Situated in the nearby district of La Mata, there is a viewpoint of 23,000 square metres set on the Cervera Cape, where the old Cervera Cape Tower, commonly known as the Torre del Moro (Moorish Tower) to local residents, was built in the 14th century. From here, you can enjoy some of the most spectacular views: if you look N-NW, you will see the Tabarca Island, while if you direct your gaze towards the S-SE, you will discover the nearby province of Murcia, with the Mar Menor sea and Isla Grosa island as its reference points. On dry and windy days, the humidity disappears from the atmosphere, and you can even make out the windmills in the La Unión mountain range. This viewpoint has trails into the interior where you can walk, as well as a sculpture dedicated to tourists, children’s games and two small huts, replicas of the town’s old houses.

don’t forget to visit Torrevieja Harbour

In ancient times, the Torrevieja Harbour became an urgent need: the trade and fishing fleet was constantly growing, establishing itself as the economic driving force behind the city, providing the sea trade for salt and other products from the district’s interior. The trade and fishing activity continues to be of particular value to this town. However, now it is a bay with a clear tourist-recreational vocation. The spectacular avenue which runs from the Eastern Dock gives you the chance to take quiet walks along the sea, while its three marinas offer one of the best tourist opportunities in water tourism in the entire Valencian Community.

But what really makes this viewpoint stand out is the reconstruction of the old watchtower which used to be there: the Torre del Moro (Moorish Tower). Its main role was to monitor the coastline to avoid potential pirate or Berber raids, which were common in the 14th C. This tower has a base diameter of nine metres, and has undergone many modifications throughout its history.

Historical Saltworks Group of Monuments

The historical dependence on saltworks, where years before, the salt workers loaded their barges with salt and transported them to the ships tied up in the bay, means that the Historical Saltworks Group of Monuments constitutes a large part of the history of Torrevieja. As soon as you enter, you will notice the local attachment to this area, with a plaque dedicated to all the salt workers who worked in the facilities in that era. This area is made up of piers and jetties which, at the end of the 18th C, formed the system for collecting, shipping and loading the salt from the local salt mining. Construction began in 1777, in the most suitable spot for loading the salt extracted from the lagoon at that time. In 1997 it was restored, using wood remaining from the original structure for construction, including the load trestle and the chute for pouring the salt into the barges. This area is now host to various events, including the International Habanera and Polyphony Contest, which was awarded International Tourist Interest.

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La Plaza de la Estación, the Old Train Station

The Plaza de la Estación obtains its name from the Old Rail Station opened at the end of the 19th C and which maintained the rail track between Torrevieja and Albatera. It is now no longer in use and is being reused as a green trail. This station was made up of several buildings, one of which has been used for various purposes: Habanera Museum, The Natural History Museum and the Saltworks Industry Exhibition Centre. Don’t forget to visit the last one on the list, as it will help you to understand a large part of the history of Torrevieja. In the immediate vicinity of this plaza you will find the Salinero Monument and the irrigation channel, made in 1482 with the purpose of linking the sea and the Torrevieja Lagoon. The channel also has a masonry bridge which dates from the 15th century.

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accommodation Torrevieja Casino Cultural Society

The Torrevieja Casino is one of the city’s most representative buildings and houses the Torrevieja Casino Cultural Society head office, founded on the 1st of February 1867. It was built in 1896 and inside you can admire the main hall with its magnificent coffered ceiling, a Moorish hall in the neo-nazarí style, built in 1901 by Andalusian experts- which copies a Granada-style patio- and the hall named “Generation 98”. Its appearance would categorise it as turn of the century, very common at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. This building was used as army barracks during the Spanish Civil War. Today, this building hosts many exhibitions and seasonal cultural programmes.

La Mata Tower and Plaza del Embarcadero

Set in the same Playa de La Mata beach, the Plaza del Embarcadero is the most emblematic of this district, accommodating the well known Torre de La Mata tower, built in the 14th century. In the area nearby you can find a tourist information office and the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario church. A few metres further North, on the same boundary with the municipality of Guardamar, is the saltworks canal, constructed in 1928 to allow water to enter from the La Mata Lagoon.

The Torre de La Mata tower was built in the 14th C and is part of the group of watchtowers so characteristic of the Eastern coast. Its role was to monitor the coastline and to warn the residents before any potential pirate or Berber attacks, but it also took on a defensive function as its location boasted a protective wall, the reason for which it could be a small fortified enclosure at its origins. It has a back entrance and trabeated windows.

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Torrevieja offers a large variety of tourist accommodation, with ever greater demand for hotels in urban areas, hotels that offer sun and beach, Spa hotels, camping facilities, tourist self-catering apartments, etc. An extensive offer of rooms in hotels located in the vicinity. www.alicantesurhoteles.com

DOÑA MONSE **** Torrevieja • Tel. 966 798 665 • Av. Orihuela, 75 (Urb. Los Balcones) www.hotelmonse.com • contacto@hotelmonse.com

CENTRAL * Torrevieja • Tel. 965 707 750 • C/. Rambla Juan Mateo, 18 • hotel.central@hotmail.com

CABO CERVERA *** Torrevieja • Tel. 966 921 711 • Ctra. Torrevieja - La Mata s/n www.hotelcabocervera.com • info@hotelcabocervera.com

JUAN CARLOS * Torrevieja • Tel. 965 716 969 • C/. Apolo, 85 www.hoteljuancarlos.com • info@hoteljuancarlos.com

FONTANA PLAZA *** Torrevieja • Tel. 966 928 925 • C/. Rambla Juan Mateo, 19 www.hotelfontanaplaza.com • fontanaplaza@hotelfontanaplaza.com

ALBA * La Mata - Torrevieja • Tel. 966 920 910 • Av. de los Españoles, 17 (La Mata) www.hostalalbaplaya.com • buzon@hostalalbaplaya.com

MADRID *** Torrevieja • Tel. 965 711 350 • C/. Villa de Madrid, 15 www.ansahotel.com • reservas@ansahotel.com

BELÉN Torrevieja • Tel. 965 705 685 • hostal_belen@hotmail.com

LLOYD´S BEACH CLUB *** La Mata - Torrevieja • Tel. 966 920 000 • Av. de los Holandeses, 2 (La Mata) www.lloydsclub.es • info@lloydsclub.com MASA INTERNACIONAL *** Torrevieja • Tel. 966 921 537 • Av. Alfredo Nobel, 150 www.masahotel.es • info@hotelmasa.com TORREJOVEN *** Torrevieja • Tel. 965 707 145 • Ctra. Torrevieja - Cartagena, km 4,7 www.hoteltorrejoven.com • reservas@hoteltorrejoven.com TUTO *** Torrevieja • Tel. 965 707 146 • C/. Callosa, 4 • www.hoteltuto.com • reservas@hoteltuto.com ATLAS * Torrevieja • Tel. 600 004 531 • Urb. Los Altos, Ctra. N-332, km 3,5 CANO * Torrevieja • Tel. 966 700 958 • C/. Zoa, 53 • www.hotelcano.com • info@hotelcano.es

GRAN VÍA II Torrevieja • Tel. 965 705 545 LEANDRO Torrevieja • Tel. 965 710 100 CAMPING FLORANTILLES Torrevieja • Tel. 965 720 456 • camping@campingflorantiles.com APARTAMENTOS TURÍSTICOS MARINA INTERNACIONAL Torrevieja • Tel. 965 707 961 Puerto Deportivo Marina Internacional - Fase 3 - Local 1 www.marinainternacional.com • reservasm1@marinainternacionalgroup.com APARTAMENTOS TURÍSTICOS FRESNO Torrevieja • Tel. 965 719 858 • Av. de la Purísima, 33 www.apartamentosturisticosfresno.com • info@apartamentosturisticosfresno.com APARTAMENTOS TURÍSTICOS MARINA PLAYA Torrevieja • Tel. 966 284 719 Puerto Deportivo Marina Internacional - Fase 3 - Local 1 • booking@marina-playa.com 41

Aeropuerto A-7

A-31

AP-7

MADRID BARCELONA

A-7

Aeropuerto de Alicante (El Altet)

VALENCIA

GRANADA GRANAD

ALICANTE

SEVILLA

MAR

A-30

MED

ITER

EO RÁN

Places of interest Eastern Breakwater Promenade Submarine and Patrol Boat Seaside promenade Square and Church

N-332 A-7

AP-7

A-7

AP-7

(en construcción)

Motorway

Casino Cultural Society

National Road

Promenade

Rail network

Ancient Salt Depot

Train station

Main Square

Airport

Salt Industry Information Centre

Cruise port

Natural History Museum

Water sports port

Ashlar bridge remains

Golf course

Habanera Museum

Natural Park Hotel

A-30

Sea and Salt Museum Theatre

Hospital

Exhibition Hall

AP-7

Concert Hall Cultural Centre

Phones of interest Emergency

Hospital San Jaime

966 921 313

Torrevieja Townhall

965 710 250

Sports Centre

966 111 222

La Mata Townhall

966 928 835

Radio Taxi

965 712 277

Teletaxi

965 101 611

Alicante Airport (El Altet)

966 919 100

Alicante Train Station

902 240 202

The La Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons Nature Reserve

966 920 404

Bus Station

965 710 146 - 965 710 449

Police

965 705 326

Fire Station

966 704 433

Civil Police

965 710 113

Hospital of Torrevieja • Dr M. G. 42

112

965 721 200 - 965 721 400

Windmill Square

La Mata

Salt lake Nature Reserve Green Route

Ancient Tower and seafront square

Pedestrian Street

18º

320

19º

Average Annual Temperature

Days per year

Average annual sea temperature

Weekly Market

Centro Urbano Lodging

Camping

Bus Stop

T Taxi

Parking

Petrol Station

Post Office

Cycling Route

Footpath

Medical Centre

Chruch

Disabled

Tourist Info Torrevieja

Tourist Info Torrevieja La Mata

Paseo Vista Alegre, s/n.

Tel. 965 703 433 Fax. 965 715 936 torrevieja@touristinfo.net

Plaza Gaspar Perell贸, s/n.

Tel. 966 928 835 (ext. 6) torreviejalamata@touristinfo.net

Tourist Info Torrevieja Centro Plaza de la Constituci贸n, 5.

Tel. 965 710 250 (ext. 111) torreviejacentro@touristinfo.net

w w w.turismodetorrevieja.com

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